People hiking through lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Beaches, Parks & Gardens

Think “beach day,” Keys-style. Here, sandy stretches pop up in a few special spots, but most water access comes with a twist—limestone rocks, shady mangroves, and clear shallows that feel like your own natural swimming pool. Add in tropical gardens, local parks and playgrounds, and trails perfect for wandering, and you’ve got plenty of ways to play outside. From state parks to secret picnic spots, these listings prove you don’t need miles of sand to enjoy paradise—you just need a sunblock and a little curiosity.

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Marathon

Sunset Park

Sunset Park is a small public waterfront park run by the City of Key Colony Beach, at the west end of Ocean Drive by 12th Street. Named for the view it is known for, it is the town's gathering spot for watching the sun drop over the water at the end of the day.

Marathon

Sunset Bay Park on Grassy Key

Sunset Bay Park (Grassy Key) — serene waterfront park on Grassy Key ideal for sunset viewing and island relaxation.

Marathon

Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trails

Crane Point Museum & Nature Center in Marathon is a 63-acre nature preserve featuring tropical hardwood hammock trails, a natural history museum, wildlife exhibits, and kayak rentals.

Weddings Max
120
Meetings Max
120

Key West

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory — a tropical glass-domed haven where hundreds of free-flying butterflies, exotic birds, and flamingos enchant visitors in the heart of Key West.

Key West

Elizabeth Bishop House & Garden

Elizabeth Bishop House — historic home of poet Elizabeth Bishop in Key West, where literary heritage meets island charm.

Key West

Pines Park

Shaded picnic spot under pines—great for plane-spotting in Key West

Islamorada

Florida Bay Forever

Non-profit dedicated to preserving Florida Bay through restoration, advocacy, and education.

Key West

Blake Fernandez Skate Park

Blake Fernandez Skate Park is a modern 7,500-square-foot facility in Key West, featuring half and quarter pipes, grind rails, jump boxes, ramps, and open spaces for skateboards and inline skates.

Key West

Higgs Beach & Reynolds Street Pier

Beach & pier park in Key West with courts & sunset views.

Key Largo

Mike Forster Memorial Park

A small county kayak and skiff ramp on the bayside at mile marker 95.2, with six trailer spaces, a picnic table and nothing else. Parking is tight, nonresidents pay by app, and the neighborhood streets carry $200 fines.

Key West

Nelson English Park

Nelson English Park is a neighborhood green space in Key West with fields, shaded areas, and walking paths for casual outdoor fun.

The Lower Keys

Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve

Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve is a 5,400-acre protected area south of Big Pine Key, where vibrant seagrass beds, coral patch reefs, mangroves, and hard-bottom habitats support rich marine biodiversity.

Marathon

Oceanfront Park

Oceanfront Park in Marathon offers ocean views, picnic spots, kayak launches, fitness stations, and a dog-friendly field for outdoor fun.

Key Largo

Rowell's Waterfront Park

Scenic waterfront park with swimming & kayak launch in Key Largo